Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
LANDBROTALAUG IN SHORT
Landbrotalaug is a small, natural geothermal hot spring on the eastern Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, about 115–120 km (around 1 hour 45 minutes) from Reykjavík. It is free to visit, has no facilities, and the water sits at around 38°C. Most people spend 30–60 minutes here.
Landbrotalaug is one of the smallest and most low-key hot springs in Iceland: a natural rock pool fed by geothermal water on private farmland near Eldborg crater. Some call it a little-known spot, although it is no longer a secret. It fits two or three people, and the water is a comfortable 38°C or so, varying between about 36°C and 40°C depending on where you sit and how the spring is running.
There is a second, larger pool nearby, fed by a hose from the hot source. It is shallow and takes more people, and many visitors use it while they wait for the small one. The small natural pool is the main draw.
The setting is the other reason to come. The pools lie among old lava, mossy rocks, grass and small ponds, a long way from the big commercial spas. On a clear day you can see Eldborg crater and the mountains of Snæfellsnes from the water. Nothing here has been built up, which is the point.
There are no changing rooms, toilets or other facilities, so come prepared to change outdoors or in your car. The spring is on private land, and access depends on the goodwill of the landowner. Treat the site with extra care: take your rubbish with you, keep the noise down and stay on the path.
Quick facts
Water temperatureAbout 38°C (roughly 36–40°C)
PoolsTwo: a small, deep natural pool for 2–3 people and a larger, shallow pool fed by a hose
RegionEastern Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
From ReykjavíkAbout 115–120 km, around 1 hour 45 minutes by car
From BorgarnesAbout 40 km along Route 54
GPS64.8322, -22.3185
Nearest landmarkEldborg crater, a short drive away
EntryFree
FacilitiesNone
AccessGravel side road off Route 54 signed Stóra-Hraun, then a few minutes' walk with a small stream crossing
Opening hoursOpen all year, no set hours
How to get to Landbrotalaug
By car from ReykjavíkDrive north on Route 1 (the Ring Road) to Borgarnes, about 75 km. Just after the town, turn left onto Route 54 towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and follow it for roughly 40 km. It makes an easy day trip, or a first stop on the way to the rest of Snæfellsnes.
The turn-offAfter you pass Eldborg crater, near the junction with Route 55 (Heydalsvegur), look for a gravel side road on the left signed Stóra-Hraun. There is no road sign for Landbrotalaug itself, so use the GPS point 64.8322, -22.3185. A standard car manages the gravel in summer; check conditions in winter.
By public transportThere is no public transport to Landbrotalaug. A rental car is the only practical way to reach it.
ParkingA small gravel car park at the end of the side road has room for about 5 to 10 cars. From there it is a few minutes' walk, including a small stream crossing, so waterproof footwear helps.
From Stykkishólmur the drive takes 45 to 60 minutes. Part of the appeal is that the spring is unsigned and a little hard to find, so save the coordinates before you set off.
How to find Landbrotalaug: step by step
The pools are easy to miss the first time. These are the steps from the main road to the water.
Step 1: Route 54 past EldborgFrom Borgarnes, follow Route 54 west for about 40 km. Eldborg, a neat round crater in the lava field, is on your left. Keep going past it.
Step 2: The Stóra-Hraun side roadTurn left onto the gravel road signed Stóra-Hraun. It is rough and potholed in places, so drive slowly. You pass an abandoned farm on the way, which tells you that you are on the right road.
Step 3: The car parkThe road ends at a small gravel car park. Park only here, and do not block the track. The pools are not visible from the car.
Step 4: The walk to the poolsFollow the path to the right from the car park. In a few minutes you reach a small pond with stepping stones across the outlet. A pile of rocks marks the small pool. The larger pool is a little further on, across the pond.
The ground is rocky and uneven, and the stones at the crossing are often wet. Sturdy shoes are better than sandals for the walk.
What to expect at Landbrotalaug
There are two pools, both fed by the same geothermal source and both very simple.
The small natural poolA round hole in the rock, deep enough for the water to reach your neck when you sit. It fits two people, or three who know each other well. The water is about 36–40°C. This is the pool in most photos.
The larger poolA wider, shallow pool nearby, fed by a hose from the source. The water covers little more than your legs when you sit, so it feels cooler on a windy day, but several people can use it at once.
AtmosphereQuiet, open and simple. Lava, moss and low hills surround the pools, with Eldborg crater and the Snæfellsnes mountains on the horizon in clear weather.
Privacy and crowdsBecause the small pool is so tiny, it feels full as soon as one other car arrives. It has become much better known in recent years and is often taken from late morning in summer. Come early or late, keep your soak short when others are waiting, and share.
Important information for visitors
A few things to know before you go.
CostThere is no entry fee. If the landowner has put out a donation box, a small contribution helps with upkeep.
Private propertyThe spring is on private farmland. Follow any signs the owner has put up, do not camp or drive off the track, and leave if you are asked to. Access to pools like this has been closed elsewhere in Iceland when visitors left a mess.
Keep the water cleanThe pools are small and fragile. Do not use soap, shampoo or any other products in the water, and do not move rocks or dig.
AccessibilityThe walk is short but over uneven ground with a stream crossing, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Best time to visit Landbrotalaug
Summer (June–August)The best time to visit. The gravel road is dry, the walk is easy, and there is daylight almost around the clock, so you can come very early or late in the evening when the pool is free. It is also when the most visitors turn up.
Autumn and spring (September–October, March–May)Cooler and much quieter. Early autumn brings colour to the grass and moss, and by September the evenings are dark enough for a chance of Northern Lights.
Winter (November–February)Snow around the pools and warm water make a good contrast, and on a clear night you may see the Northern Lights from the water. The gravel road and the stream crossing can be icy, muddy or hard to judge in the dark, so check road.is and the forecast first.
Some guides give the main bathing season as March to October. Outside those months the pools are still there, but the water can feel cooler and access is harder.
Safety and practical tips
This is a natural pool on private land with no facilities and no supervision, so use it at your own risk.
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. There is nowhere to change except your car.
Bring a towel, a dry change of clothes and a bag for wet things. Water shoes help on the rocky bottom.
The stream crossing on the walk in can soak regular shoes, so wear something waterproof or that can get wet.
Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening; midday in summer is the busiest time.
Leave no trace: take all rubbish with you and keep soap and shampoo out of the water.
Keep your visit short when others are waiting, so that everyone gets a turn.
Drive slowly on the gravel road, especially in winter when it can be icy or muddy.
Facilities and accessibility
None. There are no changing rooms, showers or shop at the spring. A portable toilet has stood at the car park at times, but do not count on it. The nearest services are in Borgarnes or in Snæfellsnes towns such as Stykkishólmur.
Snæfellsnes has guesthouses and hotels scattered around Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur and villages along the peninsula, so it is easy to base yourself nearby for a day or two exploring the area.
Landbrotalaug FAQ
Is Landbrotalaug free to visit?
Yes, there is no entry fee, but there are also no facilities. The pools are on private land, so follow any signs from the landowner.
How hot is the water?
Around 38°C, a comfortable soaking temperature. It varies between about 36°C and 40°C depending on where you sit.
How do I find Landbrotalaug?
Take Route 54 from Borgarnes for about 40 km, pass Eldborg crater and turn left onto the gravel road signed Stóra-Hraun. There is no sign for the pool, so use the GPS point 64.8322, -22.3185.
How far is Landbrotalaug from Reykjavík?
About 115–120 km, or roughly 1 hour 45 minutes by car via Borgarnes.
Can I visit Landbrotalaug in winter?
Yes, but the access road and path can be icy, so take care and check conditions first. On clear nights you may see the Northern Lights.
Are there changing rooms?
No. There are no facilities of any kind, so wear your swimsuit under your clothes or change in the car.
How many people fit in the pool?
Two or three in the small natural pool. The larger, shallow pool next to it takes several more.
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